Convicted child predator receives 75-year prison sentence in DeSoto CountyWhite Pelican Villas taking shape at former Beachview Cottages site on Sanibel
Convicted child predator receives 75-year prison sentence in DeSoto County The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office has announced a 75-year prison sentence for a man convicted of sexual crimes against children.
White Pelican Villas taking shape at former Beachview Cottages site on Sanibel Following Hurricane Ian, Tony Lapi faced a dilemma. He could either rebuild the resort in the same footprint as the 22 Beachview Cottages that were destroyed on Sanibel Island or move it farther back from the beach and construct something more resilient.
WINK News Photos of the Week (3/21 – 3/27) Welcome to WINK News Photos of the Week, where we highlight memorable moments from Southwest Florida throughout the week.
NORTH NAPLES Man accused of stealing over $15K worth of Pokémon cards in North Naples The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of stealing over $15,000 worth of Pokémon cards from a North Naples business.
Tim Aten Knows: Costco formally files plans for second store in Collier Less than two weeks after hundreds of residents packed a neighborhood information meeting to protest conceptual plans for a second location in Collier County, Costco Wholesale Corp. submitted formal development plans earlier this month for a new store proposed on the southeast corner of Collier Boulevard and Rattlesnake Hammock Road.
FORT MYERS Vietnam Traveling Wall comes to Southwest Florida A moving tribute to Vietnam veterans arrived in Southwest Florida.
12-year-old Lee County student arrested for making bomb threats at his school A 12-year-old student from Veterans Park Academy for the Arts was arrested on Thursday for making threats involving planting bombs around the school.
Motorcyclist critically injured following SUV crash on US-41 in Lee County The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV that critically injured one person on U.S. 41 in Lee County.
BOKEELIA Bokeelia home destroyed after early morning fire The Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District is on the scene of a fire that broke out at a Bokeelia home.
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Breezy with a few showers Friday afternoon and evening The Weather Authority is tracking a breezier Friday with a mix of sun and clouds, which may produce showers, impacting your evening plans.
ESTERO Estero Goodwill holds grand opening Lynn Watts, a longtime Goodwill shopper, found herself in the midst of the bustling scene.
SANIBEL Destroyed and distressed: properties on Sanibel facing code enforcement Sanibel, a city known for its resilience, is now facing challenges as some of its beloved landmarks remain in disrepair.
NAPLES Collier County first responders extinguish brush fire near golf course A brush fire in Collier County threatened the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples on Wednesday, but quick action from first responders helped prevent disaster.
Naples embraces new mobile gym for dogs A unique mobile gym for dogs is making waves in Naples, offering a convenient way for pets to exercise without leaving their homes.
EVERGLADES Florida sugar firms lose lawsuit; Everglades restoration moves forward The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Army Corps, marking a significant victory for Everglades restoration efforts.
Convicted child predator receives 75-year prison sentence in DeSoto County The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office has announced a 75-year prison sentence for a man convicted of sexual crimes against children.
White Pelican Villas taking shape at former Beachview Cottages site on Sanibel Following Hurricane Ian, Tony Lapi faced a dilemma. He could either rebuild the resort in the same footprint as the 22 Beachview Cottages that were destroyed on Sanibel Island or move it farther back from the beach and construct something more resilient.
WINK News Photos of the Week (3/21 – 3/27) Welcome to WINK News Photos of the Week, where we highlight memorable moments from Southwest Florida throughout the week.
NORTH NAPLES Man accused of stealing over $15K worth of Pokémon cards in North Naples The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man accused of stealing over $15,000 worth of Pokémon cards from a North Naples business.
Tim Aten Knows: Costco formally files plans for second store in Collier Less than two weeks after hundreds of residents packed a neighborhood information meeting to protest conceptual plans for a second location in Collier County, Costco Wholesale Corp. submitted formal development plans earlier this month for a new store proposed on the southeast corner of Collier Boulevard and Rattlesnake Hammock Road.
FORT MYERS Vietnam Traveling Wall comes to Southwest Florida A moving tribute to Vietnam veterans arrived in Southwest Florida.
12-year-old Lee County student arrested for making bomb threats at his school A 12-year-old student from Veterans Park Academy for the Arts was arrested on Thursday for making threats involving planting bombs around the school.
Motorcyclist critically injured following SUV crash on US-41 in Lee County The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV that critically injured one person on U.S. 41 in Lee County.
BOKEELIA Bokeelia home destroyed after early morning fire The Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District is on the scene of a fire that broke out at a Bokeelia home.
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY Breezy with a few showers Friday afternoon and evening The Weather Authority is tracking a breezier Friday with a mix of sun and clouds, which may produce showers, impacting your evening plans.
ESTERO Estero Goodwill holds grand opening Lynn Watts, a longtime Goodwill shopper, found herself in the midst of the bustling scene.
SANIBEL Destroyed and distressed: properties on Sanibel facing code enforcement Sanibel, a city known for its resilience, is now facing challenges as some of its beloved landmarks remain in disrepair.
NAPLES Collier County first responders extinguish brush fire near golf course A brush fire in Collier County threatened the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples on Wednesday, but quick action from first responders helped prevent disaster.
Naples embraces new mobile gym for dogs A unique mobile gym for dogs is making waves in Naples, offering a convenient way for pets to exercise without leaving their homes.
EVERGLADES Florida sugar firms lose lawsuit; Everglades restoration moves forward The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Army Corps, marking a significant victory for Everglades restoration efforts.
Credit: WINK News The owner of Gatorama lost a finger after being bitten by one of his gators during a feeding show. Allen Register owns and operates Gatorama with his wife, Patty. Register spoke with WINK News, saying his only takeaway from this experience is to inform the public that what he does is considered safe. Gatorama is located between Labelle and Lake Placid, along Highway 27 in Palmdale. The alligator is still at Gatorama. Register told WINK News Reporter Jillian Haggerty that he contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission after he was bitten. He reported what happened and said it was his fault. Despite this, he said visitors are safe and have nothing to worry about. “It’s something that I love doing,” Register said. With nearly four decades of experience, Register has dedicated his life to caring for these creatures. “They are unbelievable animal creatures. God did a great thing when he designed the alligators and crocodiles,” Register said. On Sunday, Register’s routine feeding show took an unexpected turn. “This time, I made those two mistakes, which could have cost me my life,” said Register. He explained how the incident unfolded. “My hand and the chicken blocked my view of his mouth, and because of that, I didn’t know how high his head was, and as soon as he started pulling my hand, I knew I was in trouble,” Register said. Register was a matter of seconds between life and death. “I knew eventually something was going to happen. It was going to either break the finger and eventually pop it off,” Register said. This isn’t the first time he has faced danger while working with these powerful reptiles. He recalls only one other incident in his long career. “I got the end of my finger bitten off, and that was with a crocodile, and I was moving the crocodile,” Register said. However, Register emphasized that out of the thousands of feedings he’s performed, safety is his top priority for his employees and the guests who visit. “It’s very safe here. We have boundaries and barriers to prevent our guests from getting too close to the alligators or the alligators getting too close to the people,” Register said. Alligator Allen said he wants visitors to know safety is a priority at Gatorama. Even though he got bitten, it shouldn’t keep people away.